Ken Doherty handed two-year invitational Tour Card
Doherty will remain on the main tour until at least 2022
Former World Champion Ken Doherty has been awarded a two-year Tour Card to remain on the World Snooker Tour until at least 2022.
Doherty claimed the sport’s ultimate prize at The Crucible back in 1997 and has been an ever-present on the professional circuit for the last 30 years.
After finishing the 2019/20 season in 68th position on the Order of Merit, the Dubliner narrowly lost his Tour Card, but will remain on the circuit after being granted an invitational wildcard.
The 50-year-old was last landed a wildcard in 2017 and remains a fierce competitor on both the main tour and the World Seniors circuit.
He reached the final of the World Seniors Championship at The Crucible last Saturday, squandering a 4-0 lead in an agonising 5-4 defeat to Jimmy White in the final.
He is the second oldest player on the professional circuit behind White – who also has an invitational Tour Card.
Doherty’s best run last season saw him reach the Last 16 of the Northern Ireland Open, while his last ranking title came at the 2006 Malta Cup.
WST Chairman Barry Hearn said: “Ken has been a fabulous servant to snooker over the past three decades, as a player, ambassador and television commentator.
“He is a fantastic asset to the tour and his love of our sport is undiminished.
“He is also extremely competitive on the pro tour. We are delighted to give him this chance to remain as a World Snooker Tour player for another two years.”
Doherty tweeted: “Big thanks to WST and Barry Hearn for the invitational wildcard for the next two years on the tour.
“I will endeavour to do the best I can and continue to promote this great sport I love.”